Empty streets, closed restaurants, barren supermarket shelves, and rising unemployment everywhere. Announcements in stores telling us to stay six feet apart and the new habit of wearing face masks before entering buildings have become our reality. Scenes of mass graves in New York City and refrigerated trucks holding bodies in New Jersey seem straight out of a dystopian movie, but they are our current existence, forcing us to adapt to new ways of living.
Interestingly, many people find themselves thriving in unexpected ways. Virtual gatherings on Zoom have become a norm for connecting, meditating, and learning together. This new stillness in our lives encourages deep reflection, leading us to question what truly matters and seek meaning in our existence.
I’ve identified seven personal lessons from this crisis, and I’d love to hear what’s been important for you too. In the news, we see protests against stay-at-home orders and stories of people gathering in large groups. Some dismiss the seriousness of the virus, a form of denial rooted in the fear of acknowledging our vulnerability. Accepting that a simple handshake might lead to illness or death is frightening, making it tempting to ignore the risks and carry on as usual.
Admitting to these fears and uncertainties takes courage. We don’t know how long this will last, and there’s still much we don’t understand. It’s crucial to acknowledge these fears without letting them control us. Life is hard right now; disrupted routines, job losses, and businesses closing for good make it challenging. Personally, I haven’t seen my kids in weeks because of the risk, and I’ve already lost a friend to the virus.
Despite these hardships, it helps to count our blessings. I appreciate that I’m used to working from home and the isolation doesn’t affect me as much since I’m an introvert. I’m still working and can pay my bills. Being grateful for what we have can make difficult times more bearable. Think about those who have it even tougher, and remember that our sacrifices, like wearing masks and keeping distance, are saving lives.
Our discomforts are part of a bigger picture. Wearing masks and social distancing, as inconvenient as they may be, are crucial actions that prevent the spread of the virus. These small actions reinforce social norms that save lives, and what we share on social media also matters. Spreading positive, fact-checked information can counter the spread of negativity and false news, enhancing our collective well-being.
Taking time to reflect during this period of disruption can lead to a deeper sense of meaning in our lives. Each person’s path to meaning is unique, but it often involves connecting with others, showing more love, being of service, or simply growing and learning. Reflect, read, and take time to find what gives your life meaning.
Compassion plays a key role in how we handle suffering. Closing ourselves off from others’ suffering only leads to isolation and loneliness. Recognizing and responding to suffering with compassion not only helps others but also opens us up to a broader perspective. Compassion isn’t just a feeling but an action-driven desire to alleviate suffering.
Supporting others through difficult times can greatly relieve our own sense of loneliness. Sharing the burden, showing solidarity, and reaching out to friends and family can be simple yet powerful acts of compassion. Practical help, if safely possible, can also make a world of difference.
This pandemic has exposed deep inequalities. Essential workers, often in low-paying jobs, are bearing the brunt of the crisis without adequate protection or pay. The vast disparity in how people are affected by the pandemic underscores the necessity for change.
The world’s long-standing issues have come to the forefront, reminding us that the old normal wasn’t good enough. As we move forward, let’s aim to rebuild a better, more equitable world, understanding that this might not be the last pandemic we face. Rather than clinging to a false sense of control, we need to live each day with balance and openness to change.
We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s clear that a return to the past ‘normal’ isn’t the solution. Let’s use this crisis as an opportunity to create something better for everyone.